The Biography

Michael Harney is an American actor of film, television, and theater recognized for his gritty, grounded screen presence and extensive background in dramatic roles. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, he spent years honing his craft under legendary acting teachers William Esper and Phil Gushee at The Neighborhood Playhouse, later running his own acting studio and directing numerous theater productions in New York. Transitioning to screen work, Harney became a ubiquitous television fixture known for memorable recurring and regular roles, most notably starring as Corrections Officer Sam Healy in the hit Netflix series Orange Is the New Black (for which he won multiple SAG Awards), Detective Mike Roberts in NYPD Blue, Steve Fields in HBO's Deadwood, and Detective Mitch Ouellette in Weeds. In addition to his prolific television resume—which includes appearances in True Detective, Unsolved, and Project Blue Book—he has delivered strong supporting performances in major feature films such as Erin Brockovich, Ocean's Thirteen, Widows, and Bradley Cooper's A Star Is Born.